NAACP, ECJ Advocates Host Press Conference to Call on Big Tech to Clean up Dirty Data Centers

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The NAACP and Environmental and Climate Justice advocates will host a press conference to preview their demands for Big Tech companies to follow when building data centers in communities of color.  

The press conference will take place during a convening of climate and community advocates where the groups will co-create a framework to address the rapid expansion of data centers, focusing on how these expansions and decisions for additional centers impact frontline and fenceline communities. 
 

"More tech companies are building AI infrastructure, but this innovation comes at a cost and Black and brown communities aren't going to pay it," said Abre' Conner, Director of the Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at NAACP. "Ourcommunities are too often treated like sacrifice zones for industrial pollution. This existing crisis, alongside national trends of unchecked data center development and disregard for environmental laws, must be addressed. And that's why we're coming together to build out a framework to protect communities from being exploited."  

The two-day convening will bring together civil rights leaders, state and local NAACP leadership, environmental and climate justice organizations and coalition leads, unions, policy advocates, research hubs, and legal strategists.  
 

Media is invited to attend a press conference where NAACP and the groups will preview the framework and guiding principles to demand that Big Tech work with communities to build data centers or move to new locations.  
 

WHO: NAACP, Rep. Justin Pearson, Alternatives for Community and Environment, Memphis Community Against Pollution, Young, Gifted, and Green, No Desert Data Center Coalition  

WHAT: Press Conference to Keep Big Tech Accountable when building Data Centers, preview of Guiding Principles to Protect Frontline communities 

WHEN: Saturday, August 23rd at 10 a.m.  

WHERE:  The Lawn Tent at Lemoyne-Owen College, South Memphis, TN 

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About NAACP 

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities. 
 

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.